Extension W-13-2002 actSheet - Ohio State University

[Pages:4]FactSheet Extension

W-13-2002

School of Natural Resources, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210

Native Landscaping for Birds, Bees,

Butterflies, and Other Wildlife

Kathi L. Borgmann, Graduate Associate Amanda D. Rodewald, State Extension Specialist, Wildlife

Throughout the world, habitat loss is the leading cause of species endangerment and extinction. In the Mid-

exotic plants include multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Lonicera morrowii,

west, a large portion of the land has been cleared due to and Lonicera tatarica), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata),

agricultural and urbanization pressures, leaving marginal asian bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), russian olive

and fragmented habitats. Consequently, backyards play (Elaeagnus angustifolia), privet (Ligustrum vulgare),

an increasingly important role in wildlife conservation. japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and dame's

You can help reduce the negative effects of habitat loss rocket (Potamogeton crispus). A complete list of prob-

on birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife species in lem exotic species can be obtained from ODNR Divi-

your area by creating a favorable landscape. Providing sion of Natural Resources (

wildlife-friendly habitat in urban and suburban areas is odnr/dnap/dnap.html) and the Ohio Chapter of The Na-

especially important for migrating birds and butterflies. ture Conservancy (). Avoid choosing

These groups of animals also are least likely to cause horticultural varieties when possible because altered

nuisance or damage problems.

varieties may not be appropriate for growing conditions

of Ohio nor provide the best resources for wildlife.

Landscaping with native trees and shrubs

Before you start landscaping your yard, plan ahead.

A wildlife-friendly landscape is composed of four Map your backyard and determine what environmental

essential items: 1) food, 2) water, 3) cover or shelter, and conditions you have (i.e., soil conditions and amount of

4) a place to raise young. To pro-

sun). To provide optimal habitat for a

vide the most beneficial habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies, native trees and shrubs should be emphasized. Why native species? Native

A wildlife-friendly landscape is composed of four essential items:

1) food

diverse array of species in your backyard, choose a variety of trees and shrubs of varying heights to mimic natural forest structure. You will want

plants are adapted to local condi-

2) water

to plant a few different species of

tions and, therefore require less maintenance (especially irrigation and fertilization). Native plants also

3) cover or shelter 4) a place to raise young

canopy trees, along with fruiting shrubs of various shapes and sizes. Choose plants that provide habitat or resources

provide the best quality resources

at different times of the year. For ex-

because wildlife species are adapted

ample, conifer trees provide cover and

to use native plants. Planting native species also main- warmth during the winter, whereas fruiting trees provide

tains the natural diversity of flora and fauna in the area. seasonal food resources. When choosing fruiting shrubs,

Exotic plants can threaten other plant and animal select species that produce fruits at different times of the

species. Several exotic plants have escaped from garden year to ensure that food is available throughout the sea-

cultivation and are now causing serious damage to natu- son. In addition, many of the fruiting shrubs display large

ral areas and preserves. Examples of highly invasive fragrant flowers that add to the attractiveness of your yard.

W-13-2002--page 2

What Should I Plant? Below is a list of recommended native Ohio trees and shrubs you can plant to create a wildlife friendly backyard.

Species

Wildlife Benefits1 Soil Conditions2 Light Conditions3

Trees

Boxelder (Acer negundo)

W, B, BF

W - D, V

SU - LS

Black Maple (Acer nigrum)

W, B

M, AK

LS

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

W, B

W - D, V

LS - SH

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

W, B

M, V

SU - LS

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)*

W, B, BF

W - M, AC

SU - LS

Paw Paw (Asimina triloba)*?

W, BFL

M - D

SU - LS

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

W, B

M - D

SU - LS

Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa)

W, B

M - D

SU - LS

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)*

W, B, BFL

V, L, AK

SU

Red Bud (Cercis canadensis)*

BE, HB, BF

M - D, V

SU - SH

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)*?

W, B, BFL

M - D

SU - LS

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

W, B

M - D, AC

SU - LS

Red or Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

W, B

W - M, V

SU - LS

Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)*

W, B, BE

V

SU - LS

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis)?

W, B

D, V

SU

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)?

W, B

M - D, AK - AC SU

Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)*

HB, BFL

W - M

LS - SH

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)*?

W, B

M - D, V

SU - SH

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)*?

W, B

M

SU

White Pine (Pinus strobus)

W, B

M - D, AC

SU - LS

Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

W, B, BF

W - M

SU

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)*?

HB, BFL, B

M, V

SU - LS

Common Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)*?

W, B, BF

M - D, N

SU

White Oak (Quercus alba)

W, B

M - D, V

SU

W-13-2002--page 3

Species

Wildlife Benefits1 Soil Conditions2 Light Conditions3

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

W, B, BFL

D

SU - LS

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

W, B, BFL

M - D, AC

SU - LS

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

W, B, BFL

M - D, AC, V SU

Canadian Yew (Taxus canadensis)?

W, B

W - M

SU - SH

American Basswood (Tilia americana)

B, BE

M, AK, AC

SU - LS

Shrubs

Black Chokecherry (Aronia melanocarpa)*?

W, B

D, AC

SU - LS

Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)*?

W, B

M - D, V

SU

Thicket Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata)*?

W, B

M - D, V

SU

Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)*? W, B, BF

W - M

SU

Dogwood (Cornus Spp.) [Red-osier (C. stolonifera), Silky (C. obliqua), Pagoda (C. alternifolia), and Gray (C. racemosa)]*?

W, B, BFL

W - M

SU - LS

Burning Bush (Euonymus atropurpureus)*

W, B

M ? D

SU - SH

Running Strawberry Bush (Euonymus obovatus)* W, B

M - D

SU - SH

Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)*?

W, B

M - D, AC

SU - LS

Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin)*?

W, B, BF, BFL

M, V

SU - SH

Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)*? W

W - D, AC, AK SU - LS

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)*?

W, B, BF

M - D

SU

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)*?

W, B, BF

M, D, W

SU - LS

Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia)*

W, BE

M - D

SU - SH

Maple-leaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium)*? W, B

M - D, AC

SU - SH

Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum)*?

B

M, AC, V

SU - LS

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)*?

W, B

M - D

SU - SH

Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)*? W, B

D, AK

SH

* flowering species ? fruiting species valuable to wildlife and/or birds 1 Food and/or cover provided for; W = wildlife, B = birds, BF = butterflies, BFL = butterfly larva, BE = bees, HB = hummingbirds 2 W = wet, M = moist, D = dry, N = neutral soils, AK = alkaline soils, AC = acidic soils, CA = calcareous soils, L = limestone, V = adaptable to a variety of soil conditions 3 SU = sun, LS = light shade, SH = shade

Beware of Exotic Species ? Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) ? Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii,

Lonicera tatarica, Lonicera morrowii) ? European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

W-13-2002--page 4

? Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) ? Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) ? Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Additional Resources

Online Resources ? National Wildlife Federation--

Provides helpful information on creating backyard wildlife habitat and provides certification ? OhioLine--

Native Plants Bulletin-- Information on native plants of OH; growing conditions, where to purchase, etc. ? National Audubon Society-- ? Ohio Department of Natural Resources-- Division of Natural areas-- Division of Wildlife 1-800-WILDLIFE

Provides information on backyard wildlife habitat Division of Forestry--

You can purchase several native trees and shrubs from the Division ? Birdsource--

Information on creating backyard wildlife habitat as well as information on the great backyard bird count. The great backyard bird count is an excellent way to contribute to bird conservation and research. Feb. 15-18th ? Environmental Protection Agency Green Acres Program--

Books Go Native--Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest by Carolyn Harstad Landscaping with Wildflowers and Native Plants by William Wilson Peterson's Guide to Eastern Birds The Birds of Ohio by Bruce Peterjohn Peterson's Guide to Eastern Trees and Shrubs by George A. Petrides The Woody Plants of Ohio by Lucy Braun Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb

Benefits of Native Landscaping ? Reduces time, energy, and money spent on yard maintenance ? Raises property values ? Promotes biodiversity ? Increases value to wildlife ? Prevents or reduces erosion ? Reduces the need for herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer applications

Visit Ohio State University Extension's web site "Ohioline" at:

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension

TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

7/02-klw

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